(May 29, 2013) Aston Martin is taking sports car performance to extremes with the announcement of the new V12 Vantage S. The new car replaces the outgoing V12 Vantage in markets around the world and, with the exception of the One-77 hypercar, arrives as the fastest road-going  Aston Martin yet offered.

Providing the most visceral yet engaging sports car experience in the British luxury car maker’s current range, the new V12 Vantage S delivers exceptional sporting agility underpinned by admirable long distance refinement.

Equipped with the new 565-horsepower Aston Martin AM28 6.0-liter V12 engine, featuring latest generation Bosch engine management, the car is capable of reaching 205 mph.

Peak and low rev torque improves appreciably, too. With 457 pound-feet of torque available at 5,750 rpm the V12 Vantage S is not to be found wanting. Crucially, too, low rev torque — measured at just 1,000 rpm — leaps from 325 lb-ft to 376. This serves to both flatten and fatten the torque curve, thereby significantly improving drivability.



Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez said: “The new V12 Vantage S is, simply, pure Aston Martin. It is extreme in its nature yet truly timeless in its design language.

“Learning from our successes on the track feeds the development of this type of car and I’m proud to launch such an exciting sports car in this, our centenary year.” 

Race car technology runs right through the DNA of the V12 Vantage S with, for instance, CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts just two examples of track technology feeding through to the road.

Another clear example is the new car’s new gearbox. The Sportshift III AMT (automated manual transmission) is a major development of the automated manual gearbox that appears in the current V8 Vantage S.

Designed and engineered to exploit the full sporting potential of the V12 engine, the new Sportshift III hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes for optimum performance delivery and efficiency. The unit is also appreciably lighter than the outgoing six-speed manual gearbox – saving 25 kg.

This race-derived and motorsport proven technology — used routinely in Aston Martin Racing’s race-winning Vantage GT4, GT3 and GTE competition cars — provides for great driver control with only milliseconds of torque interruption and delivers precise and swift gear changes.

The V12 Vantage S has been restyled to reflect is position as the flagship of the new Vantage range.

Most noticeable, perhaps, is the car’s grille that does away with the famous aluminum vanes — replacing them with a new carbon fibre arrangement that also includes sporty black carbon fibre or titanium silver mesh. Created to maximize airflow to the V12 engine, the new grille is inspired by that of the remarkable new CC100 Speedster Concept, nicknamed DBR100, which debuted at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring earlier this month and signals a new era of Aston Martin design language.

Other clues that single out the car as new include the debut of new lightweight forged alloy ten-spoke wheels, and a subtle yet distinctive exterior graphics pack that includes black painted roof and part-painted boot panel.

The new V12 Vantage S of course retains the same compact proportions and muscular stance as its predecessor, while features such as the pronounced hood vents and flared wheel arches underscore its sporting abilities.

Inside, as out, the new car has been styled to reflect its powerful nature. New-style seating with Sport and carbon fibre Lightweight seat options, revised stitching and welt detailing, two leather grade options —  Luxmill and semi-aniline — plus the possibility to include Alcantara, present V12 Vantage S buyers with an exciting array of trim choices.

“The new V12 Vantage S is our most extreme Vantage to date — engineered to bring race car performance and technology to the open road," Bez said.